Academic Administrator
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Responses from Randy Richardson, University of Arizona
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| How did you get interested? |
I was an undergraduate math major looking for a 'real' place/field to use
math. I found the Earth Sciences through a minor at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
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| What types of jobs have
you held? |
Faculty (assistant, associate, and full professor ranks, all here at
University of Arizona (UA)), and administrative (associate dean of the College of Science; and
assistant/associate and now interim vice president for Undergraduate Education (all at UA)). |
| What started you down your
current career path? |
General Education. The UA was considering a new General Education program,
and I got involved. It involved everything from curriculum to faculty senate politics. Sounds like academic administration to me! |
| What are the positives and
negatives of your job? |
Positives: ability to impact the quality of undergraduate education at a
large, research-one institution; interesting problems at the university and
state levels; great people to work with.
Negatives: not enough time; limited resources; I don't get to teach as much, if at all, anymore. |
| What information would you
give to someone just starting in your area of interest?
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For academic administration, I'd recommend a strong disciplinary
background, because you will be more effective if you are viewed as a
scholar. Also, make sure you like people, and solving problems. |
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